Coffee Cake Banana Bread

This Coffee Cake Banana Bread is a cozy twist on two breakfast favorites. Ripe bananas make the bread incredibly moist, while the cinnamon-sugar swirl and buttery streusel topping bring all the nostalgic flavors of a classic coffee cake.

Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this loaf is sure to become a family favorite. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and tastes even better the next day. Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, it’s the kind of treat that fills your kitchen with warmth and your belly with comfort.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Banana Bread:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

2. In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel. Add melted butter and mix with a fork until crumbly. Set aside.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon for the bread base.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

5. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, do not overmix.

6. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter.

7. Add the remaining batter on top and gently swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.

8. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the top of the loaf.

9. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 10 slices

The Best of Both Worlds: Coffee Cake Meets Banana Bread

There’s something undeniably magical about the comforting aroma of fresh banana bread wafting through the kitchen. Now imagine adding a buttery cinnamon streusel topping and a delicate swirl of cinnamon sugar throughout the loaf, suddenly, your humble banana bread transforms into something truly next level. That’s exactly what this Coffee Cake Banana Bread is: the best of both worlds.

This hybrid bake combines the moist, tender crumb of classic banana bread with the rich, spiced character of your favorite coffee cake. With every bite, you’ll experience layers of sweet banana flavor, hints of vanilla, and warm cinnamon, topped with a delightful buttery crunch. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe that fits any occasion, from lazy weekend brunches and afternoon tea to thoughtful homemade gifts.

Let’s dive deeper into what makes this recipe special, how you can make it your own, and why this will be your new go-to loaf for every season.

What Makes Coffee Cake Banana Bread Unique?

Coffee cake and banana bread are both iconic on their own, so why combine them?

Banana bread is a time-honored classic made from overripe bananas and a few pantry staples. It’s known for its moist texture, naturally sweet flavor, and ease of preparation. It’s a comfort food that feels nostalgic, homely, and nourishing.

Coffee cake, on the other hand, isn’t made with coffee but is usually served with coffee. Its hallmark features include a soft crumb, cinnamon-infused layers, and a buttery streusel topping that adds irresistible texture.

By fusing these two, you get:

• A tender, moist loaf from the banana base

• A warm, spiced cinnamon swirl through the middle

• A crisp, golden streusel topping that elevates the texture and visual appeal

The result is not just a banana bread, it’s an upgrade, an experience, and a showstopper all in one loaf.

Ingredient Breakdown: What You Need & Why

Each component of this recipe has a purpose. Here’s a closer look at what you’re working with:

• Bananas

The bananas need to be very ripe, heavily speckled or even turning black on the outside. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Bananas also add moisture, so there’s no need for extra dairy or oil.

• Flour

All-purpose flour is your base, providing structure. You can also experiment with whole wheat flour or a 1:1 gluten-free blend if needed.

• Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the hero spice here. It ties the coffee cake and banana bread elements together, adding warmth and depth. It also makes your kitchen smell like a dream while baking.

• Sugar

This recipe uses a combination of white and brown sugars. Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note, which pairs beautifully with the banana. The white sugar helps give a slightly crisper edge to the streusel and balances the flavors.

• Butter

Melted butter keeps the batter smooth and tender. It’s also the base of the streusel, giving it that addictive buttery crunch on top.

• Eggs & Vanilla

Eggs provide structure and help the loaf rise. Vanilla adds aroma and complexity that complements the banana and cinnamon flavors.

Tips for Making the Perfect Loaf

Want to bake the perfect Coffee Cake Banana Bread every single time? Here are some pro tips:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing will make the bread tough.

• Create a Distinct Swirl: Pour half the batter in the pan, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Use a butter knife to gently swirl before adding the rest of the batter.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter mix more evenly and results in a better texture.

• Test with a Toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs (not wet batter), it’s ready.

• Let It Cool Completely: Resist cutting into it right away. Cooling allows the crumb to set properly and enhances the flavor.

Customization Ideas

Banana bread is incredibly forgiving and versatile. This coffee cake hybrid is no exception. Here are some delicious ways to change it up:

• Add Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch and complement the banana and cinnamon flavors.

• Mix in Chocolate Chips: A handful of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips can make this even more indulgent.

• Use Nutmeg or Cardamom: Spice it up a bit more with a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.

• Add a Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle a simple vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting for a decadent bakery-style finish.

How to Serve It

Coffee Cake Banana Bread shines in so many settings. Here are a few ideas:

• Breakfast or Brunch: Serve warm slices with a pat of butter and a hot cup of coffee or tea.

• Afternoon Snack: Toast a slice and spread with nut butter or honey for an energizing treat.

• Dessert: Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

• Entertaining: Make it for book clubs, baby showers, or weekend brunches. It travels well and tastes even better the next day.

Storage & Freezing Tips

This banana bread keeps well and is great for make-ahead situations.

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week, just bring it to room temp or warm slightly before eating.

• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter.

You can also freeze individual slices wrapped in parchment paper, perfect for quick snacks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s no shortage of banana bread recipes out there, but this one stands out for a few key reasons:

• It’s visually stunning. That golden crumb topping and swirled center make every slice photo-worthy.

• It’s indulgent but not over-the-top. Just the right amount of sweetness and spice to feel like a treat without being overly rich.

• It’s easy to make. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps, just classic baking with elevated flavor.

Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just yourself, this Coffee Cake Banana Bread is a feel-good recipe that brings comfort and joy with every bite.

Conclusion

Coffee Cake Banana Bread is the kind of recipe that becomes a tradition. Once you make it, it won’t just be a one-time bake, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. It combines everything we love about banana bread (moist texture, natural sweetness) with the homey feel and irresistible crunch of a classic coffee cake.

Simple enough for weekday baking, special enough for entertaining, and delicious enough to eat straight from the pan, this is a loaf you’ll want to make again and again.